Maize-N-Brew: Former Michigan lineman Michael Schofield could make impact with Broncos

May 12, 2014

Denver Broncos third-round draft pick Michigan lineman Michael Schofield poses with a jersey with his name on it at the NFL football team's headquarters in Englewood, Colo., Saturday, May 10, 2014. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski) / AP

By Joshua Henschke

Detroit Free Press Special Writer

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Joshua Henschke is a writer at the Wolverines blog Maize-N-Brew. His opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the Detroit Free Press nor its writers. Read his column every week hereand contact him anytime at joshuahenschke@gmail.com.

The NFL Draft came and went Saturday evening with three Wolverines hearing their names called. The “prize” of the Michigan talent crop was offensive lineman Taylor Lewan who fell to No. 11 with the Tennessee Titans.

However, there was one Wolverine in particular who needed a distraction. Someone who had his name called in the third round, a call that meant more than the Denver Broncos realized.

To Michael Schofield, he could forget about everything outside of football impacting his life for a short moment in time.

He made it.

Shortly before he was scheduled to leave for the Senior Bowl, Schofield found out the news that his aunt was hospitalized and was later diagnosed with colon cancer. His aunt was a frequent visitor to Michigan Stadium to watch his games. Shortly after returning from the Senior Bowl, the hits kept coming.

Another aunt was diagnosed with cancer.

Saturday’s third round provided a little bit of optimism for the family. A well needed diversion from family crisis.

Though this doesn’t end with a feel good story about someone taking the next step. Although Schofield was overshadowed during most of his career by Lewan’s presence, it doesn’t mean his third round pick wasn’t worth it.

In fact, far from it.

Schofield enters the Broncos organization with a great chance to make an early impact. The Broncos have long needed youth and depth on the offensive line and that is what he brings to Denver. It also helps that he has past history between right guard and right tackle positions, although he is trending to become more of a tackle in the NFL.

Last season, Orlando Franklin started 15 games at right tackle but is scheduled to move to right guard this season. This position change could create a clear path for Schofield to see some meaningful playing this season. Denver also has seven-year veteran Winston Justice and second-year player Paul Cornick on roster as well.

Justice has been seldom used and has only played a full season once in his career with Philadelphia in 2009. He also started in 12 games with the Colts in 2012. Cornick has not seen any game action and was a practice squad signing last season.

Schofield isn’t in Denver to take up a roster space. By many accounts, he has a legitimate shot at taking a starting spot away from the incumbents on the roster. With his huge frame, weighing over 300 pounds and his versatility on the line could put him over the top.

Denver’s general manager, John Elway, said it best, “Nothing is in concrete, but Mike was just a guy that brings great competition.”

He could very well be on the roster for competition, but don’t tell Schofield that. He has a point to prove, a family to make proud. When the news of cancer rocked his family, he trained harder for the NFL.

Now that he’s made it this far, the hard work and training never stops. The motivation will continue on.